the
SHUTTLE USS Enterprise (CVN 65) - Sunday, June 5, 2011
Midway: Big ‘E’ (CV 6) in the Battle
Sunday, June 5, 2011
the SHUTTLE
Page 3
Enterprise News
They were legend: First Big ‘E’ made name at Midway By MC2 Aaron Chase USS Enterprise Public Affairs
USS ENTERPRISE, At sea – As the U.S. Navy commemorates the 69th anniversary of the Battle of Midway June 4, Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) are remembering the vital contributions the first Big ‘E’, CV-6, made toward a U.S. victory in the battle known as the turning point of World War II. The story of Midway is often broken into simple terms: A U.S. Navy force led by three aircraft carriers, USS Hornet (CV 8), USS Yorktown (CV 5) and USS Enterprise (CV 6), defeat a force lead by four carriers of the Imperial Japanese Navy: Akagi, Kaga, Soryu and Hiryu. This summary, though accurate, can obscure the countless roles of ships and their Sailors in the battle, including the essential part played by Enterprise and its crew. Enterprise was mostly used to escort convoys and conduct raids on enemy island outposts before Midway. It headed into Midway after escorting the Hornet during the famed
U.S Navy historical photo
USS Enterprise (CV 6) steams at high speed at 0725 hours, June 4, 1942. The carrier has launched Scouting Squadron 6 (VS-6) and Bombing Squadron 6 (VB-6) and is striking unlaunched SBD aircraft below in preparation for respotting the flight deck with torpedo planes and escorting fighters. USS Northhampton (CA 26) is seem in the distance, with SBDs spotting overhead, awaiting the launch of the rest of the attack group. Three hours later, VS-6 and VB-6 fatally bombed the Japanese carriers Akagi and Kaga.
Doolittle Raids. They joined Yorktown, whose crews had just seen extensive action during the Battle of Coral Sea. Planes from Hornet and Enterprise launched first on June 4, 1942. Enterprise’s 6th Air Group sent up ten F-4F Wildcat fighter planes to escort 14 TBD Devastators torpedo planes and 35 SBD Dauntless bombers. Of the aircraft launched that morning, 24 would never again return to Enterprise. The Hornet’s Torpedo Squadron 8 (VT-8), lead by Lt. Cmdr. Waldron, found the Japanese carriers first. Waldron’s squadron valiantly
launched their torpedoes as every plane was shot down by Japanese Zero fighters. It was from the smoke of this battle that Enterprise’s Torpedo Squadron 6 (VT-6), under Lt. Cmdr. Gene Lindsey, also found the enemy carriers. Despite heavy fire from the Zeroes, every plane in the squadron launched their torpedoes. Ten of the fourteen Devastators, including Lindsey’s, went down in the attack. No Japanese ships were lost. The Japanese fighters were refueling aboard their respective carriers when bombers from Hornet and Enterprise
found their targets. Enterprise’s Bomber Squadron 6 and Scouting Squadron 6, under Lt. Cmdr. Wade McCluskey, descended from an altitude of 20,000 feet on Akagi and Kaga. As many as eight bombs smashed into Kaga. One bomb, launched by Lt. Cmdr. Richard Best’s plane, hit Akagi, settingoff munitions in its hangar bay. It took five minutes for Enterprise bombers to destroy two Japanese carriers. Meanwhile, bombers from Yorktown inflicted such heavy damage on the Soryu that it sank that evening. Story continued on Page 6.
Page 4
the SHUTTLE
Sunday, June 5, 2011
The Presidential Unit Citation given to USS Enterprise for a including the Battle of Midway. Enterprise was the first U.S.
Photo b
U.S Navy historical photo
Torpedo Squadron Six (VT-6) TBD-1 Devastators are prepared for launch on the USS Enterprise (CV 6) June 4, 1942. 11 of the 14 TBDs launched are visible. Only four of the 14 returned from the attack.
U.S Navy historical photo
This Diorama by Norman Bel Geddes depicts the bomber attacks by USS Yorktown (CV 5) and USS Enterprise (CV 6) on the Japanese carriers Soryu, Akagi and Kagi. The diorama was created during WWII on the basis of information available and is somewhat inaccurate in scope and detail.
USS Enterprise (CV 6) a
Sunday, June 5, 2011
the SHUTTLE
Page 5
actions from December 7, 1941 to November 15, 1942, . Navy aircraft carrier to be given the award.
by Arnold van Beverhoudt Jr. Taken at the National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Instiution
U.S Navy historical photo
Aviation Ordnanceman 2nd Class Clifton R. Basset, of Bombing Squadron 3 (VB-3), is carried down the flight deck of USS Enterprise (CV-6) June 4, 1942. He was wounded by Japanese aircraft gunfire while VB-3 attacked the Japanese carrier Hiryu.
U.S Navy historical photo
The Japanese carrier Hiryu burns after an attack by a combined squadron of (CV 5) Yorktown (CV 5) and USS Enterprise (CV 6) bombers launched from the flight deck of Enterprise. Hiryu sank a few hours after this photo was taken.
at the Battle of Midway
Photos by MCSN Jared M. King and MCSN Gregory A. Pickett II
Page 6
the SHUTTLE
Enterprise News
Sunday, June 5, 2011
They were legend: First Big ‘E’ at Midway (cont.)
The escaping Hiryu launched a counterattack and inflicted heavy damage on Yorktown. As Yorktown crews worked feverishly to repair the carrier, Bombers from Yorktown’s Bombing Squadron 3 (VB-3) flew to Enterprise’s flight deck. Enterprise fighters from Fighting Squadron 6 (VF-6) combined with Yorktown’s fighters to defend Yorktown from a second attack, but could not stop it from inflicting mortal damage to the carrier. A combined bombing squadron of Yorktown and Enterprise bombers launched from Big ‘E’s deck at 5:03 p.m. June 4. Scouting 6, Bombing 6 and Bombing 3 all scored hits on Hiryu and left the carrier a burning hulk of metal. Aircraft launched from Enterprise destroyed three of the four Japanese carriers downed that day. On June 5, 1942, Enterprise aircraft furthered their record by aiding in the sinking of the Japanese cruiser Mikumi and the crippling of the cruiser Mogami. 307 Americans died during the Battle of Midway, including crew
members and pilots from Enterprise. Their sacrifices helped achieve a later American victory against Japan during World War II and lead to what historian Walter Lord calls a highly improbable American victory. “By ordinary standards, they were hopelessly outclassed,” said historian Walter Lord. “They had no right to win. Yet they did, and in doing so, changed the course of a war.” Enterprise steamed back to Pearl Harbor and changed command nine days later on June 13, 1942. Outgoing Commanding Officer Capt. George Murray had this to say to incoming CO Capt. Arthur Davis: “Our goal has been, is and will be the destruction of the enemy…the successes we have achieved and those that lie ahead could not be realized without the teamwork and mutual good will which signify so essentially the Enterprise spirit…Captain Davis, I relinquish this command with regret. I am confident you will find the ship one of the great ships of our time—and
U.S. Navy historical photo
The Japanese heavy cruiser Mikuma, photographed from a USS Enterprise (CV 6) SBD aircraft after the cruiser had been bombed by planes from Enterprise and USS Hornet (CV 8). The bombings left Mikuma dead in the water and fatally damaged.
the ship’s company the finest.” Enterprise would go on to earn 20 battle stars during World War II, making it the most decorated ship in U.S. Navy history. Its successes helped inspire the building of a new USS Enterprise, which carries on the legacy of the name today. “Take a moment as we remember the Battle of Midway to reflect on your predecessors from CV-6, who fought valiantly and sometimes paid the ultimate sacrifice to accomplish this mission,” said current Enterprise Commanding Officer Capt. Dee L. Mewbourne. “Their struggle against
overwhelming odds helped the U.S. Navy to one of its greatest victories and opened the path to triumph in World War II. You are a part of this glorious legacy and should all be very proud of what you’ve accomplished.” Enterprise and Carrier Air Wing 1 are carrying on that legacy in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility where they have just completed their support of operations ENDURING FREEDOM and NEW DAWN. Tomorrow, we conclude our series on the Battle of Midway by getting in-depth on the role of Lt. Cmdr. Wade McClusky, who led Enterprise’s bombers.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
the SHUTTLE
Navy News
Page 7
Change in Law Results in Retroactive Benefits for Non-OEF/OIF Injuries From Department of Veterans Affairs
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Department of Veterans Affairs announced June 3, Sailors who suffered a qualifying injury on or after Oct. 7, 2001, may be eligible beginning Oct. 1, for a payment of $25,000 to $100,000 regardless of where the injury occurred. The Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance Traumatic Injury Protection program (TSGLI) became effective Dec. 1, 2005. This program provides benefits to service members who have suffered physical losses as the result of traumatic injuries. TSGLI originally provided for payment to two groups of service members: - All service members covered under Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) who suffered qualifying losses on or after Dec. 1, 2005, regardless of where those injuries occurred. - Those who suffered
qualifying losses between Oct. 7, 2001, and Nov. 30, 2005, in support of Operations Enduring Freedom (OEF) or Iraqi Freedom (OIF). With the passage of the Veterans’ Benefits Act of 2010, service members who incurred qualifying injuries outside of OEF or OIF during the retroactive period may be eligible to receive benefits, regardless of whether they had SGLI coverage at the time of their injury. Beginning Oct. 1, 2011, active and Reserve Sailors who suffered qualifying injuries from events such as training accidents or motor vehicle accidents between Oct. 7, 2001 and Nov. 30, 2005, while serving stateside or in other areas outside of OEF or OIF, can now receive the same traumatic injury benefits as those who served in OEF and OIF. Such injuries did not have to occur while on active duty or
U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Johnnie R. Robbins
Marines render honors as the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) passes the World Trade Center site after a port visit during Fleet Week New York 2011.
active duty for training. TSGLI covers a range of losses including amputations; limb salvage; paralysis; burns; loss of sight, hearing or speech; facial reconstruction; 15-day continuous hospitalization; coma; and loss of activities of daily living due to traumatic brain injury or other traumatic injuries. For more information on
TSGLI and a complete list of qualifying losses, go to HYPERLINK “http://www. insurance.va.gov/sgliSite/ TSGLI/TSGLI.htm” \n www. insurance.va.gov/sgliSite/ TSGLI/TSGLI.htm. For more news from Chief of Naval Personnel, visit HYPERLINK “http://www. navy.mil/local/cnp” \n www. navy.mil/local/cnp/.
Page 4
the SHUTTLE
Monday May 30, 2011
Sailors of the Day Ship’s Serviceman 3rd Class
Aviation Structural Mechanic Airman
Eric D. Burroughs- Dawson, GA
Armand Manuel Slade- Stone Mountain, GA
SH3 Burroughs, a ship store supervisor for Enterprise’s Supply Department, joined the Navy four years ago to “to travel and see the world.” Burroughs says the most rewarding aspect of his job is getting to “meet and talk to every member of the crew and every once in awhile, I get a smile on one of their faces.” Burroughs is working hard to become a second class petty officer and plans to take college courses when he returns to shore. In his spare time, Burroughs likes to listen to music and play basketball.
AMAN Slade, a plane captain trainee for Carrier Early Airborne Warning Squadron (VAW) 123, joined the Navy one year and four months ago for the career opportunity, to see the world, and pay for his education. Slade says the most rewarding part of his job is “watching our aircraft launch and recover safely.” Slade plans to “pass my upcoming wings and plane captain board, then make third class (petty officer” in his immediate future. Eventually, he plans to earn a college degree in anatomy. In his spare time, Slade likes to play basketball and video games.
Photos by MCSN Jesse L. Gonzalez
FUN ZONE!
Down 1 Tacked on 2 “Mule Train” singer 3 Pass legislation 4 Columbus’s birthplace 5 Placid 6 Unresolved difficulties 7 Election winners 8 Attention-getting whisper 9 Caution 10 Greek philosopher 11 Order members 12 “... sting like ___” 13 Galloway gal 18 Greet the day 22 Stopwatch button 24 “Sister Carrie” author 28 Pittsburgh river 29 Where the Amazon rises 30 Aquatic mammal 31 Mountain route 32 Guitarist Clapton 33 At hand 34 Transpired 36 Hunchback’s place 39 Poets’ feet 43 Choreography units 45 Warning sounds 47 Play parts 50 Not a spendthrift 51 Spartacus, e.g. 52 PC messages 53 Quick witticism 54 Jib or mizzen 55 Mystery writer Gardner 56 Somewhat 57 Beau for a doe 61 Letter after pi
Across
Answers can be found on Big ‘E’ Net at S:\Public\MEDIA\GM\Crossword and Sudoku answers
1 An arm and ___ 5 Berth place 9 Martian marking 14 Scandinavian 15 Ages and ages 16 Island off Venezuela 17 Supreme leader? 19 Climbing plants
20 Bands’ bonuses 21 Flowing hair 23 Held back 25 Have a bite 26 Clairvoyant 27 “She ___ to Conquer” 31 Change at Heathrow? 35 Aloha State bird 37 “Of ___ I Sing”
38 Geometry calculation 39 Dingbat 40 Turkish money 41 “The King and I” country 42 Helper: Abbr. 43 1988 Olympics site 44 Piercing cry 46 Formerly, old-style 48 Liturgical vestment
65 Baltic natives 49 Breaks 66 Pushes off 54 Food fish 58 “Casualties of War” 67 Have trust director 59 Ann ___, Mich. 60 Pretoria’s province 62 Ancient Troy 63 Self-pitying words 64 Iniquity